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Louis van Gaal, who will take charge of the Red Devils following his World Cup commitments with Netherlands, is expected to oversee a summer overhaul at the club and has identified the Germany international as a top target.

VIEW FROM GERMANY

By Fabio Porta | Goal Germany

"Manchester United's pursuit of Bastian Schweinsteiger is amibitous. The midfielder is a talismanic figure and it might prove difficult to prise him away from Munich. However, Pep Guardiola could be looking to replace the 29-year-old, with a younger, faster player."

United are set to make a formal offer for the 29-year-old in the coming days as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who was so heavily criticised for the club's perceived failure in the transfer window last season, gets to work on Van Gaal's list of potential signings.

Schweinsteiger is seen as a Bayern Munich icon but Goal understands that United are increasingly confident that the midfielder could be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford and be reunited with former boss Van Gaal, following third-party conversations.

Although Pep Guardiola's side would be reluctant to part with one of their star players, at 29 it could be a case of now or never if the Bavarians are to cash in for a significant fee.

Van Gaal had also identified Thomas Muller, a player he brought through the ranks at Bayern during his time in charge there, as a transfer target, but the playmaker ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract at the Allianz Arena that will end any possibility of a summer departure.

Forward Muller, 24, had recently cast doubt on his future, saying: "I have now come to the point where I insist to know that I am part of the starting 11 at Bayern Munich.

"I have also demanded to know if the club really want to go forward with me in the next few seasons.